The Ankara fabric has been in existence for so long, however, it was once associated with the South Western people of Nigeria. But today, the Ankara fabric has not only become national but international as designers make various creative styles with this colourful fabric.
The Ankara fabric has metamorphosed from cultural attire to a glamorous wardrobe must-have as designers make an increasing number of fashion items like bags, shoes, dresses, swim suits, ties, brooch, jewelleries, shirts and countless accessories from this vibrant fabric which has become a wardrobe stable for many.
Ankara which was once considered to be a local market has grown to meet the increasing demands for the fabric worldwide. Hence, to further promote the Ankara fabric trend which has impacted the West African economy in a lot of ways and thus, the Nigerian economy, the maiden edition of the Lagos Ankara Carnival is billed to take place in September.
According to the chairman of the Lagos Ankara Carnival, Omoba Joko Okupe, “The Ankara is no longer limited to the south West as we are beginning to see a lot of inter-cultural transference. The Ankara concept has increasingly become national and global.”
Host of the Lagos Ankara Carnival, Olawale Oladunjoye added that the Ankara (African print) which was formerly known as Duch wax was originally manufactured by the Dutch for the Indonesian textile market.
He said that the aim of the event tagged “Lagos Ankara Carnival” is to give a facelift to the “Ankara’’ fabric, which had gained popularity in the global fashion scene.
Oladunjoye added that the “Lagos Ankara Carnival 2017 will be an avenue to facilitate the exposure of Nigerian designers to the world. It will be an annual event with the capacity of generating many profitable companies and providing a variety of jobs to millions of Nigerians, especially the youth.”
“We are confident that the advent of this event will strengthen the “Ankara’’ local market and open Lagos up to the world fashion stage,” he said.
This forthcoming Lagos Ankara Carnival 2017 which is in partnership with the Lagos State government is slated for September 2-9, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos and will feature Ankara exhibition, award, Omidan Ankara and the night of carnival.
The high point of the carnival will be the emergence of “The Face of Ankara, Lagos” who will initiate Ankara related pet projects aimed at skills development, cultural re-orientation and learning, empowering of the youth and producing entrepreneurs in the Ankara fashion industry.
Prizes to be won at the carnival are a brand new car and a year Ankara ambassadorship role for the winner, N1 million (N1,000,000 ) for first runner up and five hundred thousand (N500,000 ) for the second runner up. There are other consolation prizes to be won at the event as well.
